Rob Moss

For the first time in the UK a Soul Weekender is taking place in the luxurious surroundings of a top notch hotel in the heart of England. No freezing chalets or caravans here, with the icy chill of the North Atlantic winds rattling the bones " five star decadence in both place and content, as an all star cast prepares to deliver. Most of the featured artists are making the very first appearance in Britain, and with the exception of Chuck Jackson, will be performing their best loved northern anthems for the first time in public! The line up has undergone several key changes since the initial announcement, with the untimely withdrawal of The Just Brothers due to that now familiar organisational refrain of .passport problems', and Willie Kendrick, whose mother has suffered a massive stroke, forcing him to remain Stateside for the second time. He is desperate to perform here and has promised to visit us in the near future. Their 'replacements' are no slouches however, and in The Adorables, Barbara Mercer and Betty Boo fans will gain a unique opportunity to witness three of Detroit's finest. The Adorables originally consisted of the two Lewis sisters, Pat and Diane, and Betty and Jackie Winston. Although Jackie sadly passed away several years ago, the remaining trio will be performing, not only as a group but in their individual personas. Lead singer Jackie Winston will be of particular interest to the 'northern' crowd in her 'Betty Boo' role. Many will remember what a massive record 'Say it isn't so' became at Wigan and beyond. Pat and Diane Lewis will perform individually too. Barbara Mercer's career at both Golden World and Sidra has been closely monitored for years in the UK, and it is a great privilege to finally see her performing on our shores. In concert with her husband George McGregor, Barbara has produced some of the most memorable songs to ever come out of Detroit, and she will not disappoint. The Masqueraders have been together as a group for over 40 years, and are only eclipsed by The Dells for longevity. Their recording career began in Dallas in 1965 with the mega rare "That's the same thing" and progressed through a spell in Detroit with LaBeat Records, stints with Tommy Cogbill at American, Isaac Hayes for ABC, Bell, Hi in Memphis and numerous independent and self produced projects. Their residency at the Blues CafÃÆ’© on Beale Street in Memphis has allowed the lucky few to witness their live act. Now everyone else will get a chance. With master showman Chuck Jackson on hand to climax the show, everything looks set for this event to become one of the most memorable shows ever.

SOUL DEEP - A critique by Rob Moss. When the news that the BBC were to commission a series on the history and development of Soul music was announced, the sense of anticipation and excitement amongst devotees was palpable. After virtually ignoring this music, as an art form, for over 40 years, the Corporation was finally going to apply their considerable resources, influence and money to the type of 'in depth' scrutiny and investigation usually only reserved for so called 'mainstream' entertainment. Finally, a major broadcaster would not only have access to information and images long denied to the world, but, more importantly, the will to find, share, expose and document these treasures. A giant void could now be filled - new pages added to the rich mural of musical, sociological and cultural history. Who cared if it had been inspired by a fast food advertising campaign, or that the producers knew little of their subject. Surely, the BBC would get it right. Wouldn't they? Yes, of course they would - they possess the reputation of being the finest, fairest, most thorough news gathering organisation on the planet. But...sadly, the producers didn't get it right. And what we got, in the main, was a disjointed, overly simplistic, poorly researched pastiche that was very disappointing, and lacked ... note from the soul source team - sorry but all Robs non-current articles are now clipped due to a future book release - watch out for news of that!